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Removing the Silent Thunder - New Platform Coming
The Mrs and I have decided that it’s time for the Silent Thunder to come off the 311. The ST is showing some signs of age, there’s lettering embossed under some paint that I cannot get out without removing and sanding (and with new transom lettering for the name it looks like sh!t), and I’ve never liked having all that weight over the drives.... time to go!
We’re updating the look with a new platform in gloss black from Aluminum Metal Fab. From a quality and pricing standpoint, I felt they were the best choice. Nick (Aluminum Metal fab’s president) reached out to us personally to answer all our questions, and helped make the right choices for what we wanted. We’re hoping to have it in a few weeks (hoping I can get it installed before our poker run at the end of June). I’m hoping to pull the platform today. I’m going to be getting a set of exhaust tips from Stainless Marine. I’ve selttled on straight cut tips because I need to run flappers (and I’d rather not have internal flappers), but I’m wondering if I should use tips that have a straight flange or 12 degree angled flange? For those of you that have removed the ST and replaced the exhaust tips, what did you use? |
I'm just gonna throw this out there since your removing the ST. Do you have the factory ladder on it. If so would you be willing to sell just the ladder. My boat doesn't have it but had the holes. I have looked all over and can't find one new that is the same as it.
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Are you running Powerboating for the Cure in Norfolk?
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Yep! Been looking forward to it since the last one. This one falls on my birthday! |
Originally Posted by TomZ
(Post 4628497)
The Mrs and I have decided that it’s time for the Silent Thunder to come off the 311. The ST is showing some signs of age, there’s lettering embossed under some paint that I cannot get out without removing and sanding (and with new transom lettering for the name it looks like sh!t), and I’ve never liked having all that weight over the drives.... time to go!
We’re updating the look with a new platform in gloss black from Aluminum Metal Fab. From a quality and pricing standpoint, I felt they were the best choice. Nick (Aluminum Metal fab’s president) reached out to us personally to answer all our questions, and helped make the right choices for what we wanted. We’re hoping to have it in a few weeks (hoping I can get it installed before our poker run at the end of June). I’m hoping to pull the platform today. I’m going to be getting a set of exhaust tips from Stainless Marine. I’ve selttled on straight cut tips because I need to run flappers (and I’d rather not have internal flappers), but I’m wondering if I should use tips that have a straight flange or 12 degree angled flange? For those of you that have removed the ST and replaced the exhaust tips, what did you use? When I had the 223 and removed the ST, I used the straight flange. |
Originally Posted by DBleil89
(Post 4628605)
I'm just gonna throw this out there since your removing the ST. Do you have the factory ladder on it. If so would you be willing to sell just the ladder. My boat doesn't have it but had the holes. I have looked all over and can't find one new that is the same as it.
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Originally Posted by distantthunder
(Post 4628935)
Tom,
When I had the 223 and removed the ST, I used the straight flange. |
Originally Posted by TomZ
(Post 4628955)
That's what I ordered... with external flappers.
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Just waiting on the platform now... https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8521fdf91.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...7dc756d57.jpeg |
Tom, Info on that flush kit please.
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Flush kit... I do not like having it on the side of the boat. It was there when I got her, and I understand putting it there versus on top of the transom since the Silent Thunder blocked access. With that said.... I love how this thing is set up. The flush attachment connects to a set of valves behind the seat in the bulge. I can open up the valves to supply water to one or both engines to handle flushing. The whole thing is a Perko hose connection to a sst of ball valves that control water flow. Outputs go to a tee into the seawater pump. I hook up the hose, apply water pressure, and then open a valve per engine. Simple. |
Now that your ST platform is gone you could move your flush connections directly above the drives like in the video I posted, I believe there should already be a hole there from a Through Bolt. You could always just put a water dump fitting where your flush connection is now. Tips Look Good!
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Hadn’t thought of that! |
Very nice. Those tips have a period correct look. I’m ready to see the new step. |
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